If you’re planning to launch or expand a self storage facility, one of the biggest questions you’ll face is location. Should you build in a busy city area with high footfall, or opt for a rural site where land is more affordable?
There’s no universal answer. Both have their advantages. At Kuboid, we’ve designed and built facilities in towns, cities and out-of-town locations across the UK. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each to help you make the right call for your business.
City Self Storage: Convenience at a Premium
City areas, particularly large towns and major urban centres, can offer strong, consistent demand. Storage is often in short supply in built-up locations, which makes city sites attractive for operators targeting residential customers, students and small businesses.
Pros:
- High demand and footfall
City dwellers are more likely to live in flats or houses with limited storage space. This drives year-round demand, especially near universities, new housing developments and business districts. - Higher rental income
Because of the convenience factor, storage space in cities often commands a higher price per square foot than rural counterparts. - Diverse customer base
From e-commerce sellers to students and downsizers, city locations attract a broad mix of tenants.
Cons:
- Land costs and planning restrictions
City land is more expensive and harder to secure. Planning permission can be more complex too, particularly in conservation areas or near residential zones. - Smaller or restricted sites
Facilities in cities may need to be multi-storey, modular or creatively designed to maximise tight footprints. - Increased competition
Popular cities may already have several operators nearby. Strong branding, tech and customer service are key to standing out.
Rural Self Storage: Space to Grow
Rural and semi-rural sites, such as those on the outskirts of towns or along major road networks, offer flexibility and long-term growth potential. They are particularly well suited to drive-up units, container storage or hybrid business models.
Pros:
- Lower land and build costs
Land is typically cheaper outside city centres, which can significantly reduce upfront investment and boost ROI. - Room for expansion
Rural sites often allow for phased development, letting operators start small and scale in line with demand. - Easier planning approvals
Depending on the site, securing planning consent may be more straightforward, particularly for agricultural conversions or brownfield developments.
Cons:
- Lower footfall
You may need to invest more in marketing to raise awareness and draw customers from nearby towns or passing traffic. - Pricing pressure
While rural sites can still achieve strong returns, they typically command lower rental rates than city facilities. - Access and infrastructure
Some rural locations may lack key services, public transport links or visibility. These are all things to factor into design and logistics.
So… City or Rural?
The right location depends on your:
- Target market (residential or business)
- Budget
- Growth plans
- Tolerance for complexity such as planning or design constraints
You could also consider a hybrid approach. For example, launching a flagship city facility while developing drive-up storage in a rural or edge-of-town location. Both models have proven success across the UK.
Whether you’re eyeing a disused warehouse in the city or converting farmland on the edge of town, Kuboid helps operators get it right from day one. Our team specialises in full design and build solutions for both city and rural facilities, guiding clients through feasibility, layout planning, construction, compliance and more.
